Plumbers in Nashville-Davidson, TN: A Career Analyst’s Guide

You’re a plumber. You’re skilled, you’re in demand, and you’re thinking about Nashville-Davidson. Maybe it’s the music, the growth, or the weather. As a local who’s seen this city transform from a quiet country town to a booming metropolis, I can tell you this: Nashville needs plumbers. Badly. New high-rises, historic homes in need of updates, and a constant churn of renovations fuel a steady demand for your skills.

But moving isn’t just about the job. It’s about the cost of living, the commute, the neighborhoods, and whether your paycheck can actually afford the life you want here. This guide cuts through the hype. We’ll use hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what it means to be a plumber in Music City.

Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Nashville-Davidson Stands

First, the numbers. As of the latest BLS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, the median salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metro Area is $61,924/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $29.77/hour.

How does this stack up? The national average salary for this trade is $63,350/year. Nashville sits just slightly below the national mark. The key here isn't the slight gap, but the context. The Metro area supports 1,375 jobs in this field, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This indicates a stable, growing market. You’re not walking into a boomtown where work dries up in two years, but a city with sustained, moderate demand.

To understand where you fit, let’s break it down by experience. These are industry-standard estimates based on local market rates and BLS percentiles.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Nashville-Davidson)	Hourly Equivalent	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$42,000 - $52,000	$20.19 - $25.00	Basic trenching, fixture installation, assisting senior plumbers, learning code.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65	Independent work on residential/commercial jobs, rough-in, service calls.
Senior (Master)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87	Leading crews, complex commercial projects, code compliance, custom work.
Expert/Specialist	$85,000+	$40.87+	Foreman, estimator, niche expertise (medical gas, pipefitting), business owner.

How does Nashville compare to other Tennessee cities?

• Memphis: Slightly lower median salary (around $58,500), but with a larger industrial and distribution base. Cost of living is also lower.
• Knoxville: Similar to Nashville ($60,000), with a focus on residential and university-related projects.
• Chattanooga: Lower median salary (around $54,000), but a vibrant manufacturing and outdoor economy.
• Bristol (VA/TN border): Significantly lower ($49,000), with a more limited market.

Nashville offers the highest earning potential in the state, paired with the highest cost of living. It’s a trade-off, but for ambitious plumbers, the ceiling is here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $61,924 salary looks good on paper. But what about after the government and the landlord take their share? Let’s get real about the monthly budget.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,160 ($61,924 / 12)
• Taxes: Approx. 25% for federal, state, and FICA ($1,290/month). This is a conservative estimate; your actual rate may vary.
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,870/month
• Rent: Using the average 1BR rent of $1,442/month.
• Utilities, Insurance, Gas: Estimated at $400/month.
• Groceries & Essentials: Estimated at $500/month.
• Debt/Leisure/Savings: The remainder.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$5,160
Taxes (25%)	-$1,290	Varies by deductions.
Take-Home Pay	~$3,870
Rent (1BR)	-$1,442	The city average.
Utilities/Insurance/Gas	-$400	Car insurance is mandatory; gas is a must.
Groceries/Essentials	-$500
Remaining Funds	~$1,528	For savings, debt, entertainment, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Nashville-Davidson is roughly $450,000. With a $1,528 monthly surplus, saving a 20% down payment ($90,000) would take over 5 years without any interest. A more realistic path for a single earner on this salary is an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$15,750) on a more modest home or condo in a suburban area. However, your mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would easily exceed $2,200/month, eating most of your surplus.

Insider Tip: Many Nashville plumbers do buy homes, but often through partnerships (dual-income households) or by buying in the suburbs—areas like Antioch, Madison, or Hermitage where prices are lower. Starting a side business or specializing early can also accelerate your path to homeownership.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $61,924 salary looks good on paper. But what about after the government and the landlord take their share? Let’s get real about the monthly budget.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,160 ($61,924 / 12)
• Taxes: Approx. 25% for federal, state, and FICA ($1,290/month). This is a conservative estimate; your actual rate may vary.
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,870/month
• Rent: Using the average 1BR rent of $1,442/month.
• Utilities, Insurance, Gas: Estimated at $400/month.
• Groceries & Essentials: Estimated at $500/month.
• Debt/Leisure/Savings: The remainder.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$5,160
Taxes (25%)	-$1,290	Varies by deductions.
Take-Home Pay	~$3,870
Rent (1BR)	-$1,442	The city average.
Utilities/Insurance/Gas	-$400	Car insurance is mandatory; gas is a must.
Groceries/Essentials	-$500
Remaining Funds	~$1,528	For savings, debt, entertainment, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Nashville-Davidson is roughly $450,000. With a $1,528 monthly surplus, saving a 20% down payment ($90,000) would take over 5 years without any interest. A more realistic path for a single earner on this salary is an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$15,750) on a more modest home or condo in a suburban area. However, your mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would easily exceed $2,200/month, eating most of your surplus.

Insider Tip: Many Nashville plumbers do buy homes, but often through partnerships (dual-income households) or by buying in the suburbs—areas like Antioch, Madison, or Hermitage where prices are lower. Starting a side business or specializing early can also accelerate your path to homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashville-Davidson's Major Employers

The job market is diverse. You’re not limited to one type of employer. Here are the key players, from the massive to the niche.

1. Baker Residential & Commercial: A giant in the local construction scene. They handle everything from downtown high-rises like the Fifth + Broadway complex to large suburban subdivisions. They hire full-time plumbers for both rough-in and finish work. Hiring is steady, with a focus on commercial projects.
2. Messer Construction Co.: Another major GC with a massive footprint in healthcare and education. Think new wings at Vanderbilt University Medical Center or renovations at Belmont University. They value plumbers with commercial experience and OSHA 30 certification.
3. The Jackson Company: A premier residential plumbing and HVAC contractor. They are the go-to for high-end custom homes in areas like Belle Meade and Forest Hills. This is a great spot to learn luxury fixture installation and high-end service work.
4. Heritage Plumbing & Mechanical: A large commercial/industrial plumbing and pipefitting contractor. They work on everything from data centers in Murfreesboro to industrial plants in the Antioch corridor. Great for those interested in pipefitting and larger-scale projects.
5. TripMaster Plumbing: A fast-growing, service-focused company specializing in residential and light commercial service calls, drain cleaning, and water heater replacements. They offer a different pace than construction—more troubleshooting, less new builds.
6. Baptist Health System & Ascension Saint Thomas: The major hospital systems are constant sources of work, both for in-house maintenance teams and contracted plumbers for renovations and medical gas line installations. A specialty in medical gas is a golden ticket here.
7. City of Nashville (Metro Government): The water and sewer department hires plumbers and pipefitters for municipal projects. These are stable, union jobs with excellent benefits—a long-term career path with a pension.

Hiring Trends: Commercial and healthcare construction is booming. Residential is strong but more sensitive to interest rates. The service and repair side is year-round and recession-resistant. Companies are desperate for licensed journeymen and masters.

Getting Licensed in TN

You cannot work independently in Tennessee without a license. The process is straightforward but requires patience.

1. Determine Your Path: You can go through an apprenticeship (4,000 hours) or document 10,000 hours of on-the-job experience under a licensed plumber. The apprenticeship route is more structured and often leads to a union card (UA Local 572).
2. Exam & Application: Once your experience is documented, you must pass the Tennessee Plumber’s Examination, administered by the Department of Commerce & Insurance. The fee is $200. You’ll also need to submit an application with proof of experience.
3. Licensing Fee: Upon passing, the license fee is $150 for a journeyman and $250 for a master plumber. Licenses must be renewed every two years (fee: $150).
4. Timeline: From starting an apprenticeship to holding a journeyman license is typically 4-5 years. If you have documented experience, you could potentially test within a few months of moving, but you must meet the hour requirements.
5. Cost Estimate: Total upfront cost (exam + license) is $350-$450. Apprenticeship programs may have tuition fees, but many are paid for by the employer or union.

Insider Tip: The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance website is your best friend. Keep meticulous records of your hours and get your experience verification forms signed by your former employers before you leave your current job. It’s much harder to do from out of state.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Nashville is incredibly spread out. Traffic on I-65 and I-40 can be brutal. Living close to work hubs is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Plumber-Friendly For...
Antioch	Working-class, diverse, south of downtown. Quick access to I-24.	$1,200 - $1,400	Proximity to industrial parks, commercial jobs, and affordable living.
Madison	Up-and-coming, near the Gallatin Pike corridor. Good value.	$1,250 - $1,450	Easy commute to East Nashville and downtown. Growing service area.
Hermitage	Suburban, family-oriented, near Old Hickory Blvd.	$1,350 - $1,500	Close to residential work in Donelson and Hermitage, and the airport.
Donelson	Established suburb, home of the airport. Mix of homeowners and renters.	$1,400 - $1,600	Central to many residential neighborhoods and the airport's maintenance needs.
The Nations/Charlotte Park	Trendy, gentrifying area west of downtown.	$1,500 - $1,700+	Higher rent, but great for service calls to the booming West End area.

Insider Tip: If you land a job with a company based in the industrial corridors of Antioch or the commercial heart of downtown, living in Antioch or Madison will save you hours of commute time and hundreds in gas money each month. Don’t underestimate the psychological toll of a 1-hour commute in Nashville traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Nashville isn’t linear; it’s a ladder. Here’s how you climb it.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas (ASSE 6010): A certification that can add $3-$5/hour to your rate. Essential for healthcare work.
  • Pipefitting & Welding: Experience with industrial piping (MIG/TIG welding) can push you toward $35-$45/hour on commercial/industrial projects.
  • Backflow Prevention: A separate certification that allows you to test and certify backflow preventers on commercial properties. A lucrative side gig.
  • Hydronic Heating: Expertise in radiant floor and boiler systems is sought after in high-end residential and some commercial settings.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Master: The first step to leading crews and pulling your own permits.
  2. Foreman/Project Manager: Move from tools to management. Requires strong communication and organizational skills.
  3. Estimator/Project Engineer: Work in the office, taking off plans and bidding jobs. Often leads to the next step.
  4. Business Owner: With a master’s license and capital, starting your own service company or contracting firm is the ultimate goal. Nashville’s growth supports this.
  5. Inspector: The city and state hire licensed master plumbers as inspectors. It’s a stable, government job with a pension.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The aging infrastructure of Nashville (a century-old city) guarantees decades of repair and replacement work. The biggest opportunity is in the green energy transition—plumbers will be needed to install geothermal systems, high-efficiency boilers, and water conservation systems. The plumbers who adapt will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Nashville-Davidson Right for You?

It’s not for everyone. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Strong, steady job market with 1,375+ positions.	High cost of living, especially housing.
Median salary of $61,924 offers a solid middle-class living.	Traffic is a daily grind; a car is non-negotiable.
Diverse employment opportunities (commercial, residential, service).	Licensing is mandatory; you can’t work independently without it.
Room for growth and specialization with premium rates.	Rapid gentrification can push you out of neighborhoods you like.
Vibrant city culture and amenities outside of work.	Summers are hot and humid; outdoor work can be brutal.

Final Recommendation:
Consider Nashville if you are a licensed journeyman or master plumber, or if you are willing to invest the time to get licensed. You value steady work, have a tolerance for traffic, and are motivated to specialize or start your own business. The growth trajectory is real, and skilled trades are respected here.